Parent-Child Program.

Held once a week, classes in the Parent-Child program are for children from 0 to 3 years old, accompanied by the mother or father.

Guided by an experienced Waldorf-trained Nurturer, the Parent-Child program allows very young children to play and interact with others, while having the security of their parents nearby. Parents see their children interact in a group setting, as well as observe other children in the same age range. They experience a model of a rhythmic, structured morning, along with seasonal songs, verses, finger play that may be incorporated into home life. Children delight as they learn them through repetition, with the involvement of parents.

The parents work with their children on simple craft projects, snack preparation and other domestic arts. Stories are told with the help of natural objects: small branches, stones, leaves, with hand-made puppets and pieces of cloth to drape a scene. Mornings end with unstructured free play outdoors.

As the children experience the same flow of activities every week, they soon are able to participate and feel themselves part of a larger group.

The Parent-Child program is organized in to blocks of 5 to 8 weeks, one day a week, 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Email st.michael.playhouse@gmail.com for updates on next schedule.